s are entered, I
should like to spend ten dollars on a very large sand-table, which I
can use with the younger group for illustrations. It is perfectly
clean work, and I have helped Miss Denison and her children to do the
loveliest things with it. She makes geography lessons,--plains, hills,
mountains, valleys, rivers, and lakes; or the children make a picture
of the story they have just heard. I saw them do 'Over the River and
through the Wood to Grandfather's House we go,' 'Washington's Winter
Camp at Valley Forge,' and 'The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.' I have
ever so many songs chosen, and those for November and December are
almost learned without my notes. I shall have to work very hard to be
ready twice a week!"

"Too hard, I fear," said Mrs. Bird anxiously.

"Oh, no; not a bit too hard! If the children are only interested, I
shall not mind any amount of trouble. By the way, dear Mrs. Bird, you
won't let the nurses or mothers stand in the doorways? You will please
see that I am left quite alone with the children, won't you?"

"Certainly; no mothers shall be admitted, if they make you nervous; it
is the children's hour. But after two or three months, when you have
all become acquainted, and the children are accustomed to listening
attentively, I almost hope you will allow a few nurses to come in and
sit in the corners,--the ones who bring the youngest children, for
example; it would be such a means of education to them. There 's
another idea for you next year,--a nurses' class in story-telling."

"It would be rather nice, would n't it?--and I should be older then,
and more experienced. I really think I could do it, if Miss Denison
would help me by talks and instructions. She will be here next year.
Oh, how the little plan broadens out!"

"And, Polly, you have chosen to pay for your circulars, and propose to
buy your sand-table. This I agree to, if you insist upon it; though
why I shouldn't help my godchild I cannot quite understand. But
knowing you were so absorbed in other matters that you would forget the
frivolities, and remembering that you have been wearing the same two
dresses for months, I have ventured to get you some pretty gowns for
the 'story hours,' and I want you to accept them for your Christmas
present. They will serve for all your 'afternoons' and for our home
dinners, as you will not be going out anywhere this winter."

"Oh, how kind you are, Mrs. Bird! You load me with benef